Head of Public Affairs, Saudi Arabia

Novartis; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the pharmaceutical sector is seeking a Government Affairs Leader to shape the political landscape in Saudi Arabia. This role involves strategic engagement with government officials, maximizing business opportunities, and providing thought leadership in public policy. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in government affairs, particularly in healthcare, and a strong understanding of local market dynamics.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in government affairs or public policy.
• Significant experience in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven track record of influencing public policy.

Responsibilities

• Navigate and influence the Saudi political and legislative environment.
• Build and maintain relationships with key government officials.
• Develop and implement a cohesive government affairs strategy.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Political Acumen

Relationship Building

Crisis Management

Communication Skills

Leadership

Fluency in English and Arabic

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science, Public Policy, Law, or Healthcare Administration

Advanced degree (master's or PhD)

Job description

Job Description Summary

As the Government Affairs Leader, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the political and legislative landscape in Saudi Arabia to maximize business opportunities for NOVARTIS. You will provide thought leadership in public policy, drive a cross-divisional government affairs strategy, and lead government affairs activities. You will also manage short-term issues and crises with significant business and reputational impact. As a member of the country leadership team, you will be the functional leader for government affairs and key insight provider and contact person for government related topics and stakeholders.

Job Description

Major Accountabilities:

Political and Legislative Engagement:

• Navigate and influence the Saudi political and legislative environment to support Novartis’s strategic goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with key government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Business Opportunity Maximization:

• Align Novartis’s business strategies with Saudi Arabia's Vision to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Thought Leadership in Public Policy:

• Provide evidence-based insights and innovative solutions to inform public policy.
• Collaborate with government, industry, academic institutions, industry partners, diplomatic partners, associations and other members of the healthcare ecosystem to establish Novartis as a leading voice in policy debates.

Cross-Divisional Strategy Development:

• Develop and implement a cohesive government affairs strategy that integrates and supports all NOVARTIS objectives through effective communication and collaboration across business units.

Crisis Management:

• Identify and manage short-term issues and crises with high business and reputational impact.
• Implement robust risk management frameworks and respond promptly and transparently to crises.

Stakeholder Management at the Highest Government Level:

• Engage with senior government officials and high-level stakeholders to advocate for Novartis’s interests.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.

Macro and Geopolitical Factors:

• Monitor and analyze macroeconomic trends and geopolitical developments impacting Saudi Arabia.
• Develop strategies to navigate and leverage these factors to support Novartis’ business objectives.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Foster collaboration within the country executive team and divisional government affairs staff.
• Maintain strategic alignment with overall business objectives and regularly interact with senior leaders.

Job Dimensions (Indicate key facts and figures)

Number of associates:1

Impact on the organization:High

Background (State the required education, experience level, and competency profile)

Minimum Job Criteria: Government Affairs Leader

Educational Background:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, Public Policy, Law, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Advanced degree (master's or PhD) preferred.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or a related field.
• Significant experience in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven track record of influencing public policy and legislative processes.
• Local Policy and Saudi Market Experience:Extensive experience with local policies and a deep understanding of the Saudi market dynamics.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking:Ability to develop and implement comprehensive government affairs strategies.
• Political Acumen:Deep understanding of the political and legislative environment in Saudi Arabia.
• Relationship Building:Strong networking skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with key government officials and stakeholders.
• Crisis Management:Experience in managing short-term issues and crises with high business and reputational impact.
• Communication Skills:Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• Leadership:Proven leadership skills with the ability to foster collaboration and drive strategic alignment.
• Language: Fluency in English and Arabic both verbally and in writing is a must

Knowledge and Expertise:

• In-depth knowledge of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its implications for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Familiarity with macroeconomic trends and geopolitical factors affecting the region.
• Understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

Personal Attributes:

• Innovative Mindset:Commitment to fostering a positive pro-innovation environment.
• Adaptability:Ability to navigate a dynamic and evolving political landscape.
• Integrity:High ethical standards and a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Skills Desired

Affiliate Marketing, Communication Medium, Influencing Skills, Interviewing Skills, Leadership, Marketing, Microsoft Access, Photography, Policy Development, Political Analysis, Press Releases, Prioritization, Public Affairs, Senior Management, Social Media